Pittsburgh City Paper Booze Battles: Spirit vs. The Yard

Juiced Up

Each week, we order the same cocktail at two different bars for a friendly head-to-head battle. Go to the bars, taste them both and tell us what you like about each by tagging @pghcitypaper on Twitter or Instagram and using #CPBoozeBattles. If you want to be a part of Booze Battles, send an email to food-and-beverage writer Celine Roberts, at celine@pghcitypaper.com.

The Drink: Summer Gin Cocktails

Spirit

Our take: The choice of carrot juice gave this drink a savory, earthy profile that sets it apart from most summer gin cocktails. The gin lent a breezy lightness that lingered after a sip was taken. A little bit of pulp from the juice remained and gave the drink a bolder texture.

Vs.

The Yard

Our take: This was a bold little cocktail with a boozy punch to it. The basil shined on the nose and in the aftertaste, which grounded the heavy acid contribution from the grapefruit and lime. Tart and sweet were still the main takeaways, but resulted in a pleasant pucker instead of being cloying.